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Pork Temperature Chart: Cook Your Pork To Perfection

Pork Temperature Chart: Cook Your Pork To Perfection

Pork Cooking Temperature

Cooking pork recipes and wondering what temperature to cook pork to? Let our Pork Temperature Chart help guide you! This comprehensive “Safe Pork Temperature” guide will help you achieve your desired doneness for every cut, ensuring a mouth-watering and impressive meal. 

Whether you’re making our Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin, Smoked Pork Chop, or Pork Belly Burnt Ends, this temp chart can be referenced.

Pork chop on a smoker

Pork Temperature Doneness

Here are the internal temps to go by when making any pork dish (except ground).  The recommendations are the same whether you’re making chops or a roast. Please note these temps are in Fahrenheit.

Pork Doneness Internal Temperature (°F)
Rare NOT ADVISED
Medium Rare NOT ADVISED
Medium 145-150°F
Medium Well 150-155°F
Well Done 160-165°F

The USDA recommends a minimum temp of 145°F, with a 3-minute rest time, to avoid potential foodborne illnesses and health risks. It is not advisable to consume rare or medium-rare pork.

Illustration of a pig with text "cuts of pork"

Cuts

The above pork temperature chart applies to the following popular cuts:

  • Loin
  • Roast
  • Tenderloin
  • Chops
  • Ribs

Ground Pork

Ground meat must be cooked to a minimum temp of 165°F. The above chart does not apply to ground pork.

Pork Internal Temperature

Not sure what doneness to cook to? Here’s a visual guide to help you select your ideal temp:

  • Medium: Pink and warm throughout.
  • Medium Well: Slightly pink center and warm throughout.
  • Well Done: Very little pink.

Sliced sous vide pork tenderloin along with thyme and garlic in a black cast iron pan.

Resting

When making, cook based on temperature vs. time. Your “pull/remove from the heat” temp will be below the final temp you’re aiming to serve the meat at as the temp continues to rise as the meat rests.

Unlike beef recipes, you only need a 3-5 minute rest period.

  • Rest 3-5 minutes – The pull temp will be 2-3°F below the final temp you’re aiming for.

Pork Cooking Times

Cooking times will vary depending on the cut, thickness, and cooking method. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate readings.

Instant Pot Pork carnitas in a white serving bowl topped with lime slices.

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your dishes are cooked to perfection every time:

  • Allow your meat to sit at room temp for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the meat cook more evenly
  • Allow your cooked meat to rest for at least 3-5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute.
  • It’s imperative to utilize an instant read thermometer to measure the internal temp as it cooks. Here’s our favorite brand: Thermaworks Dot.

Related Recipes

Rack of 3-2-1- ribs on a black cutting board.

More Resources

Temperature Chart For Prime Rib
Lamb Temperature Chart
Temperature Chart For Steak
Hamburger Temperature Chart (Coming Soon)
What Temperature To Cook Chicken (Coming Soon)

Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions you may have! We’re here to help make your Easter Dinner recipes and Christmas recipes less stressful!